Sustainable Management

Your specialization in our Bachelor in Business Administration (BSc)

Sustainable Management

Your specialization in our Bachelor in Business Administration (BSc)

Study Sustainable Management

Help plan sustainable development on a global scale

Consumption of materials and resources, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, human rights and health and safety regulations are, along with sustainability, fairness and solidarity, the key quality criteria of today’s economic activity. Customers and other stakeholders demand companies to behave and do business in a socially responsible way. An increasing number of brands and companies have begun campaigning for a better world, turning sustainability into a selling point. Sustainable management is now in demand more than ever before. In short, today’s companies not only want to be great, they also need to be ethical.

Admission Requirements

You do not have your school leaving certificate yet? Just provide a transcript of records including all grades given to date and you can hand in your school leaving certificate at a later stage.

  • High school diploma/school leaving certificate (qualifying for entrance to German universities)
  • Proof of English language proficiency: please have a look at our different options here 
  • Interview with program management and faculty members
  • Additional requirements may apply for applicants from certain countries. Please inquire.

Application deadline

  • Start of application period: November 1
  • Recommended application deadline for international applicants: March 31 (more information)
  • Final Application deadline for international applicants: May 31 (more information)
  • Final Application deadline for European applicants: July 15

We recommend that you submit your application as early as possible. For fully completed applications received by January 15, you will be granted a 10% early-bird discount on your total amount of tuition fees. To be entitled for the discount you need to fully complete the online application form and submit it together with your transcript of records. More information can be found here

International (non-EU) applicants please note: The visa process takes up to two months, starting on the date of acceptance by KLU. Please keep in mind that there are a lot of other organizational matters to deal with when planning your study abroad. That is why we advise you to apply as soon as possible (see recommended international deadline). 

We require a non-refundable application fee of €50 for non-EU/EEA applicants. Your application will only be processed once we have received this. Please note that we offer application fee waivers for selected candidates. 

Preparation Program

In some cases, you may have to complete our 1-year Preparation Program before you can commence our Bachelor in Business Administration. This may be because of your high school degree curriculum or course combinations. If you are not sure if you have to complete the Preparation Program course, please feel free to ask us at study@klu.org

You can apply for the Preparation Program on the application portal on our website.    

Our degree provides you with a strong foundation in all aspects of business administration. Develop expertise in a number of areas through a wide range of topics such as management, strategy, accounting, math, statistics, law, micro- and macroeconomics and more. Gain well-rounded knowledge and a skill set that will maximize your career opportunities with the profile Sustainable Management.

Immerse yourself in your chosen profile

  • Chinese, Spanish or German
  • Empirical Research Methods
  • Non-Profit Management
  • Sustainable New Product Development and Design Thinking
  • Corporate Social REsponsibility and Business Ethics*
  • Sustainable Supply Chains*

*These courses are offered as electives and are open to all profiles.

Gain knowledge that will prepare you for your future career in an international environment.

  • Assess the challenges of working with people in organizations.
  • Apply moral reasoning and business ethics to your daily work.
  • Communicate in a foreign language and gain intercultural competencies.
  • Learn how to collect, analyze and report data with recommendations for action.
  • Understand the nature and major trends of the non-profit sector.
  • Apply sustainable related aspects to new product development and design thinking.
  • Include sustainable approaches to complex business processes.

Tuition

PROGRAM ECTS DURATION PROGRAM START 2023  Tuition
BSc in Business Administration
Standard Track
180

3 years
6 semesters

1 September 6390.00 per semester

BSc in Business Administration
Intensive Track

210

3 years
6 semesters

1 September 7090.00 per semester

Tuition fees are charged per semester. A non-refundable deposit of EUR 1,000 is due within two weeks after the receipt of the signed study contract. The deposit will be deducted from the first tuition fee installment.

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Tax savings

In Germany, tuition can be claimed on tax returns and the tax savings can be used to partially finance students’ degrees.

All master’s degree students can claim all the costs of their degree program as anticipated income-related expenses before graduating and after completing their vocational training, and carry them forward over their time enrolled as cumulative losses – assuming they had no or very little income in that time. Loss carry-forwards make this possible: the losses that students incur because they are studying are offset from their incomes after graduation in subsequent years. This reduces the income for which taxes are due. The costs associated with the semester abroad and tuition are deductible.

It is only possible to take advantage of loss carry-forward if the degree program is a second degree (master’s degree after the bachelor’s or a bachelor’s degree after an apprenticeship). The costs of first degrees can be deducted as a special expense up to a limit of €6,000. Study-related expenses only have an effect in the same year and only result in tax benefits for people whose incomes are high enough that they actually pay income tax in Germany. The Federal Constitutional Court is reviewing the regulation regarding the costs of the first degree. For this reason, students should always claim their study-related expenses as income-related expenses on their income tax returns.

If students participate in the Brain Capital plan and defer payment of tuition fees, the fees can be deducted as soon as payment is initiated (outflow principle). 

*non-committal statement as KLU is not allowed to act as a tax advisor.

Scholarships

KLU offers a limited number of scholarships. Stipends of gifted education instituions (Begabtenförderwerke) can apply for a full tuition fee waiver at KLU. We also offer an innovative tuition financing model. Students participating in this model do not or only partially pay tuition fees during their studies at KLU. However, they commit themselves to make income-dependent payments upon completion of their studies.

Tax savings

In Germany, tuition can be claimed on tax returns and the tax savings can be used to partially finance students’ degrees.

All master’s degree students can claim all the costs of their degree program as anticipated income-related expenses before graduating and after completing their vocational training, and carry them forward over their time enrolled as cumulative losses – assuming they had no or very little income in that time. Loss carry-forwards make this possible: the losses that students incur because they are studying are offset from their incomes after graduation in subsequent years. This reduces the income for which taxes are due. The costs associated with the semester abroad and tuition are deductible.

It is only possible to take advantage of loss carry-forward if the degree program is a second degree (master’s degree after the bachelor’s or a bachelor’s degree after an apprenticeship). The costs of first degrees can be deducted as a special expense up to a limit of €6,000. Study-related expenses only have an effect in the same year and only result in tax benefits for people whose incomes are high enough that they actually pay income tax in Germany. The Federal Constitutional Court is reviewing the regulation regarding the costs of the first degree. For this reason, students should always claim their study-related expenses as income-related expenses on their income tax returns.

If students participate in the Brain Capital plan and defer payment of tuition fees, the fees can be deducted as soon as payment is initiated (outflow principle). 

*non-committal statement as KLU is not allowed to act as a tax advisor.

Brain Capital financing

Brain Capital is an innovative tuition financing concept. Students participating in these models do not or only partially pay tuition fees during their studies at KLU. However, they commit themselves to make income-dependent payments upon completion of their studies. The total amount of payments is linked to the income earned. The model is based on a solidarity principle: students with higher income repay more than students with lower income. There are limits for maximum annual and maximum total payments (about twice the tuition fee amount adjusted for inflation). 

If you are admitted at KLU and wish to finance your tuition fees at KLU partly via the Brain Capital scheme, please fill in the Brain Capital application form and send it to admission@klu.org by July 31, at the very latest. Indicate the amount that is necessary to cover part of the tuition fees. Please keep in mind that the scheme may not allow a full coverage of your tuition. Applications for Brain Capital are only accepted before commencement of studies. Only admitted candidates participate in the selection.

The selection committee meets at the beginning of every month deciding on all applications received until the last date of the previous month. A positive decision on the application depends on various factors. In any case the number of applications received as well as a regional quota is considered.

Loan schemes

There are different loan schemes to finance the cost of living. These primarily target German and EU nationals. Candidates of other nationalities are only eligible if they have a German baccalaureate (Abitur) and permanent residence status in Germany. 

The German federal government and KFW banking group, a German government-owned development bank, offer the following loan to Germans and EU citizens. Non-EU candidates are eligible only if they have a certificate of graduation from a German secondary school and permanent resident status in Germany.

Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) 

German federal government loan program: The loan program provides you with state funding to pursue education and training. You receive 50 percent of BAföG aid as a state grant and 50 percent as an interest-free loan. Your eligibility is dependent on your parent’s income. Read more about the Federal Training Assistance Act (in German).

KfW-Student Loan

The KfW offers the KfW-Studienkredit for our Bachelor and Master programs as well as our MBA. With the KfW-Studienkredit, you are able to finance your costs of living. The KfW-Studienkredit is highly flexible. Please find all information concerning the KfW-Studienkredit here. The product profile of the loan can be found here (unfortunately both is only offered in German). Please note: This loan scheme is primarily available for German citizens or students with a German baccalaureate (Abitur). There are exceptions, please consult the KfW-website for further information.   

Our partner concerning the KfW-Studienkredit is the HASPA, which offers advice for the KfW-Studienkredit as well as a student bank account with many benefits for students in Hamburg. 

For further information, please contact Ms. Sophie Harms (Tel. +49 40 3579-7227, hafencity@haspa.de) from the HASPA.

Sustainable Management

Meet our Professor Maria Besiou. She is Professor of Humanitarian Logistics and Dean of Research at KLU. In this vidoe she will give you a short introduction into the profile Sustainable Management.

Sustainable Management

Explore the challenges faced by businesses, governments, and individuals in addressing issues such as climate change and unethical working conditions. Gain insight into what you would study through a brief, interactive lecture by KLU Senior Researcher Moritz Petersen. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of sustainability!

SPECIAL FEATURE: PROFESSOR DEBATE

This discussion was moderated by Prof. Dr. Christian Barrot, and featured perspectives from Prof. Dr. Alexander Himme (International Management), Dr. Moritz Petersen (Sustainable Management), Prof. Dr. Sandra Transchel (Supply Chain Management) and Prof. Dr. Henrik Leopold (Management Information Systems).

Tamara Straub Lopez

KLU is not just any ordinary university. The multitude of opportunities KLU offers to students, like visiting companies and networking events, are incredibly advantageous and really helpful for the future. On top of that, there is close contact to professors in interactive classes, who never hesitate to answer any of your questions.

Tamara Straub Lopez, Student BSc Management, Class of 2020

KLU student Boije

The best thing about KLU is the quality of teaching. The lecturers are both adept at presenting content and taking interest in their students' viewpoints. I would tell any prospective students to jump at the opportunity to study at the KLU. People here have been extremely friendly and helpful, making my time here in Hamburg an unforgettable experience.

Boie Fajersson, Student BSc Management, Class of 2018

KLU student Emily

At KLU, I am able to interact in a multicultural environment, learn about new cultures and I feel part of the KLU-family. This university and the people keep my motivation high and teach me about more than just academic topics, like respect and equality. It is like a second home for me.

Emily von Bergen, Student BSc Management, Class of 2020

Hauke Schnepel

What I value about the KLU is two-fold: it provides an excellent academic foundation for a successful future, and it encourages you to grow as an established individual, fostering confidence and approachability.

Hauke Schnepel, Student BSc Management, Class of 2020

KLU student Andres

One of the things I like the most about being at KLU is the comfortable study environment KLU offers. Not only do you feel comfortable on campus, but you also get to meet people with different backgrounds and work alongside with them, giving each student a very unique way of developing themselves throughout their studies.

Andrés Escalante, Student BSc Management, Class of 2020

KLU student Ellen

For me the highlight of being a student at KLU is definitely the community. From the students to the faculty and staff, everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive from day one.Their support allows me to excel academically and guides me in the right direction on my career path. And, because of the international student body, I am able to discover many different cultures. The overall encouragement and diversity create a very special atmosphere on campus.

Ellen Huang, Student BSc Management, Class of 2020

KLU student Sebastian

You can consider KLU as a “gateway to the world,” as they say in German. An intercultural university with students of more than 30 nationalities located in Hamburg, KLU gives students the opportunity to connect with people from all around the world and to experience a multifaceted city. I could not imagine a better place for taking the first step into my future and establishing my own network.

Sebastian Tschirner, Student BSc Management, Class of 2019

Mulan Bartz

Studying at KLU is an all-inclusive package. Coming here every day means meeting with my friends — who are as passionate about our subjects as I am. Classes are very interactive, and our professors are highly supportive. The beautiful facility plus the ideal location in HafenCity make the whole experience even more enjoyable. I am happy that I chose KLU!

Mulan Bartz, Student BSc Management, Class of 2019

John Kaller, Student BSc Management, Class of 2018

I have always enjoyed talking and discussing all kinds of matters with people from other cultures. At KLU, the small classes create a level of intimacy and exchange with other students and professors you won’t find anywhere else.

John Kaller, Student BSc Management, Class of 2018

Kim Bredemeyer, Student BSc Management, Class of 2018

Studying at KLU means having many different parts of the world on campus but still being in the beautiful city of Hamburg. Knowing that support is there for every aspect of our studies is a special feeling – it makes studying at KLU an exciting time.

Kim Bredemeyer, Student BSc Management, Class of 2018

KLU student Vanessa

The courses at KLU are carefully synchronized, leading to  fast progress through the content without unnecessary repetition. The small size of the classes allows me to ask questions to the professor, if something is unclear. The lectures are often complemented by practical examples or projects illustrating the theory in a real-world context. The projects create a vivid, motivated atmosphere in class, which makes me enjoy my studies at KLU very much.

Vanessa Wolgien, Student BSc Management, Class of 2019

KLU student Lee

The KLU-Experience not only includes learning theoretical concepts in class but also experiencing their implementation outside of the classroom. For example, our excursions to Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services and the container terminals at the harbor were extremely interesting and valuable.

Lee Weisgerber, Student BSc Management, Class of 2019

Angie Khullar, Student BSc Management, Class of 2017

KLU facilitates the network of opportunities and aids in gaining a broader perspective on different aspects of business. It’s a rewarding experience to be a part of KLU.

Angie Khullar, Student BSc Management, Class of 2017

Dana Balschuweit, Student BSc Management, Class of 2017

I experience KLU as an extraordinary university with a career-enhancing, carefully considered degree program concept. Students are not just treated as numbers but as individuals, which has reinforced my decision to study at KLU.

Dana Balschuweit, Student BSc Management, Class of 2017

Ann-Christin Stermann, Student BSc Management, Class 2017

One of my favorite things about KLU is the semester abroad. It gives you the perfect opportunity to find out more about a specific country and maybe to learn the language as well.

Ann-Christin Stermann, Student BSc Management, Class 2017

Discover our modern campus – in the middle of Hamburg's vibrant HafenCity!